Be Aware of Celiac Disease. Just Today Though.

The U.S. Senate has officially declared today National Celiac Disease Awareness Day. So, we all need to stop at some point and think about our annoying friends who can't eat anything because ... OK. OK. You're not annoying. Your disease is annoying. And, honestly, we hate it for you.

Since no one likes to sit alone in isolation with their gluten-free pantry on a Saturday night, I did a quick search for gluten-free restaurants in the area, and wow, someone has been doing their homework. DFWceliac.com has great details on places to eat at that either serve gluten-free meals or will create one for you upon request, including interviews with chefs and things like which places grind their own spices.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, three million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is an "autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food."

There's no cure, only a diet 100 percent free of gluten, a protein found in cereal grains and a ton of other foods.

Bummer.

So, whip up a batch of gluten-free brownies for your bestest celiac buddies and celebrate this day with them. Maybe even create a gluten-free macaroni-art card with a picture of a small intestine. If that doesn't cheer them up, then nothing will.